The rate of infections with the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China is declining, a health official said Sunday, amid some international concern over a potential pandemic. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncytial virus,

There has been a decline in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern provinces and in children under 14, China has said. The spread of the respiratory virus has been causing concern, after images circulated of hospitals overrun with masked patients.

As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention – and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world.

Human metapneumovirus cases in northern China are decreasing, as confirmed by health officials. No new infectious diseases have been identified, and the virus, related to the respiratory syncytial virus,